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Stukov
Alexei Stukov

"Victory above all!"

Basic Info
Title Infested Admiral
Role Healer Healer
Difficulty Medium
Franchise StarCraft StarCraft
Price Gem750 / Money10,000
Release Date July 11, 2017
Base Stats
Attack Type Melee
Health 1835
Health Regen 3.8242
Resource 500 Mana
Unit Radius 0.6875
Attack Speed 0.67
Attack Range 1.5
Attack Damage 261
Data Page

Alexei Stukov, the Infested Admiral, is a melee Healer Hero from the StarCraft universe. Alexei Stukov had a hard life, and an even harder death. He has been betrayed, shot into space, resurrected and infested, almost cured, and then experimented upon as the infestation returned. Now, his infestation spreads within the Nexus...

Background[ | ]

StarCraft This section concerns content exclusive to the StarCraft universe.

In the 25th century of Earth's history, the United Earth Directorate Expeditionary Fleet was dispatched to the Koprulu Sector, with the aim to subjugate the terran colonies, enslave the new Zerg Overmind, and use their controlled Zerg broods to pacify the protoss. Of the formidable commanders tasked with this imperative endeavor, Vice Admiral Alexei Stukov was second-in-command, with his old friend Admiral Gerard DuGalle leading the fleet.

The UED smashed into the sector, quickly disarming and seizing the Terran Dominion. However, unbeknownst to the UED at the time, their ranks had been infiltrated by a powerful shape-shifting xel'naga that took the name Samir Duran, that sought to sow confusion among the ranks of the Directorate. When Stukov violated DuGalle's orders to destroy a device named the psi disrupter that could cut Zerg off from their hive mind, Duran convinced DuGalle that Stukov was a traitor, and the admiral ordered Stukov to be executed. Duran put a bullet through Stukov and vanished. Stukov's dying transmission convinced DuGalle friend that the disrupter was the key to defeating the erg and that Duran was the traitor, before he bled out and died on the floor. Stukov's body was launched into space and given a hero's burial, with news reports saying that he died in the final assault on Char to claim the Overmind. After the UED's defeat in the sector, grief stricken over what he had done to his old friend, DuGalle committed suicide.

However, Stukov's coffin was discovered by the Zerg, and his body infested and resurrected by the cerebrate Kaloth, who desired a new leader for their renegade Swarms. After participating in some covert operations to advance the New Swarm's agenda, the resurgent Stukov caught the eye of Artanis, who enlisted the aid of Jim Raynor and the ancient protoss hero Taldarin to deliver an experimental nanite cure to the infested human. The joint terran-protoss force fought through Zerg and terran mercenaries, eventually delivering the cure to Stukov, and he was returned to his human state. Stukov was then turned over to a terran science group named the Moebius Foundation to study to the cure.

Unbeknownst to all, the same alien who had killed Stukov, Samir Duran, secretly ran the Moebius Foundation, and Stukov was experimented on and tortured. The protoss cure slowly failed, returning him to his infested state, and Duran's modifications made Stukov more and more powerful as he used him as a test subject to advance his Protoss/Zerg hybrid breeding program. Years later, Stukov was able to escape Duran's lab and contact the leader of the Zerg, Sarah Kerrigan, and aided her in destroying Duran's hybrid breeding operation, raising his lab and banishing him to the xel'naga's home dimension of the Void. Stukov then was given command of Kerrigan's infested terran legions, and assisted Kerrigan in bringing down the Terran Dominion and killing Emperor Arcturus Mengsk. He would later aid her in her war to bring down Duran's master, the Xel'Naga Amon.

During the final assault on Amon in the Void, Stukov once again confronted Duran, and personally delivered the final killing blow to the xel'naga, avenging his death and years of torture. The expedition was successful in killing Amon, and ending Duran's grand schemes.

Gameplay[ | ]

Stukov is a Healer who brings high amounts of disruption from long range.

Strength[ | ]

Weaknesses[ | ]

  • Mobility
  • Escape

Abilities[ | ]

See Data page for a table of scaled values at key levels.
Bio-Kill Switch Icon
D
Bio-Kill Switch
Cooldown: 16 seconds

Activate to detonate all of Stukov's Viruses. Each Healing Pathogen heals its target for 435 health, and each Weighted Pustule does 100 damage and Slows its target by 70% for 2 seconds.

Can be cast while channeling Lurking Arm.


Type: Spell Damage, Crowd Control / Healing
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Enemy Heroes / Allied Heroes, Self
Targeting: No target
Properties: Slow
Cast time: Instant
Range: Global

  • Healing pathogens and pustules that are in flight when Bio-Kill Switch is activated are not affected.
  • Bio-Kill Switch's damage is dealt in addition to Weighted Pustule's expiration damage in a separate instance.
  • Healing Pathogens remain on the target until 0.0625 seconds after casting this Ability.
  • Healing Pathogens placed on Medivh are not detonated by this Ability during Raven Form.
  • If multiple Stukovs are on a team, Bio-Kill Switch only affects viruses placed by the activator.
Healing Pathogen Icon
Q
Healing Pathogen
40 Mana Cooldown: 10 seconds

Infest an allied Hero with a Healing Pathogen that heals the target for 222 Health over 4.5 seconds. Healing Pathogens can spread to a nearby allied Hero every 0.75 seconds.

Each cast of Healing Pathogen can only spread to each allied Hero 1 time.


Type: Healing
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Allied Heroes, Self
Targeting: Unit target
Properties: Bounce, Heal over Time
Cast time: Instant
Range: 7.0
Missile speed: 18
Tickrate: 1.33 per second (x6)
Heal per Tick: 37
Spread radius: 6.0

  • Can cast on self, and spread to self.
  • Healing Pathogen can be cast on a Hero with an active Pathogen, overwriting its effect. However, it cannot spread to Heroes already affected by it. This also applies if multiple Stukovs are in a team.
Weighted Pustule Icon
W
Weighted Pustule
50 Mana Cooldown: 10 seconds

Hurl a pustule that impacts all enemy Heroes in its path, dealing 20 damage and Slowing by 5%, increasing to 50% over 3 seconds. Deals an additional 88 damage upon expiring or being removed.


Type: Spell Damage
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Enemy Heroes
Targeting: Point target
Properties: Clamping, Piercing Skillshot
Cast time: 0.125 + 0.125 seconds
Range: 11.5
Hitbox: 1.0 x 0.9
Missile speed: 15

  • Unstoppable negates the Slow effect of Weighted Pustule, but does not prevent applying or remove a Pustule. Pustules can, however, be fully removed from units by Abilities which specifically remove Slows.
  • If Weighted Pustule hits an enemy already affected by one, the previous Pustule is overwritten. This also applies if multiple Stukovs are in a team.
Lurking Arm Icon
E
Lurking Arm
60 Mana Cooldown: 10 seconds

Channel at a target location, creating an area that deals 136 damage per second to non-Structure enemies and Silences them. Deals 50% reduced damage to non-Heroes.

Does not cost Mana while Channeling, and lasts until canceled or interrupted.


Type: Spell Damage, Crowd control
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: non-Structure Enemies
Targeting: Point target
Properties: Area of Effect, Silence
Cast time: 0.75 + CH + 0 seconds
Range: 11
Area of Effect: Circle
Radius: 2.5
Tickrate: 4.0 per second
Damage per tick: 34

  • Each tick applies 0.3 seconds Silence.
Flailing Swipe Icon
R
Flailing Swipe
60 Mana Cooldown: 60 seconds

Swipe 3 times in front of Stukov over 1.75 seconds, dealing 48 damage to enemies hit and knocking them away. Each swipe is larger than the previous.


Type: Spell Damage, Crowd Control
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Enemies
Targeting: Point target
Cast time: 0 + CH + 0 seconds
Area of Effect: Radial
Radius:
- First: 5.0
- Second: 8.0
- Third: 11
Arc: 180 degrees (1
Swipe delay:
- First: 0.1875 seconds
- Second: 0.25 seconds
- Third: 0.5625 seconds
Knockback duration: 0.125 seconds
Knockback speed: 42

  • 1) Target search is performed in three rotating 60 degree sections over three successive ticks. First and third swipes rotate clockwise, and second rotates counter-clockwise.
  • Completing the three swipes only takes 1.375 seconds, but Stukov will remain locked in animation for the remaining 0.375 seconds of the 1.75 second channel.
Massive Shove Icon
R
Massive Shove
50 Mana Cooldown: 20 seconds

Extend Stukov's arm. If it hits an enemy Hero, they are rapidly shoved until they collide with terrain, dealing 190 damage and Stunning them for 0.5 seconds. Stukov gains 50 Armor while shoving an enemy.


Type: Spell Damage, Crowd control, Status effect / Defensive damage modifier
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Enemy Heroes / Self
Targeting: Point target
Cast time: 0.125 + CH + 0 seconds
Range: 11
Hitbox: 2.0 x 1.0
Missile speed: 22

  • Enemy Heroes are Revealed as long as they are being shoved.
  • Massive Shove is canceled if the arm collides with terrain before hitting a Hero.
  • Does not stack with other positive Armor effects. Other defensive damage modifiers may stack.

Talents[ | ]

1
Fetid Touch Icon
Fetid Touch

Basic Attacks become ranged and Slow enemies by 20% for 1.5 seconds, but deal 35% less damage. This effect can be toggled.

❢ Quest: Hit Heroes with Weighted Pustule.

❢ Reward: After hitting 15 Heroes, reduce the cooldown of Weighted Pustule by 5 seconds and remove its Mana cost.


Type: Offensive damage modifier / Crowd control
Affects: Self / Enemies
Targeting: No target (toggle)
Properties: Attack Modifier, Slow
Range: 5.5
Toggle cooldown: 0.5 seconds
Reactive Ballistospores Icon
Reactive Ballistospores

While below 50% Health, the cooldown of Bio-Kill Switch refreshes 100% faster.

Activate to instantly spread a Weighted Pustule to all nearby enemy Heroes and reset the cooldown of Bio-Kill Switch.

This effect has a 75 second cooldown.


Targeting: No target
Properties: Area of Effect
Cast time: Instant
Area of Effect: Circle
Radius: 5.5

  • Can be activated while channeling Lurking Arm without interrupting it.
  • While below 50% Health, reduces the cooldown of Bio-Kill Switch by 0.125 seconds every 0.125 seconds.
  • The Talent's cooldown is unaffected by any cooldown reduction effects.
  • Bio-Kill Switch cannot be activated again for 0.0625 seconds (1 game loop) after the last activation even when using the reset from this Ability.
Low Blow Icon
Low Blow

Lurking Arm deals 100% more damage to enemy Heroes below 50% Health and persists for 1 second after it is canceled.


Type: Offensive damage modifier
Affects: Ability

  • Damage bonus stacks additively with other offensive damage modifiers that can affect Lurking Arm's damage.
4
One Good Spread... Icon
One Good Spread...

After a Healing Pathogen infests 3 targets, restore 10 Mana and reduce the cooldown of Healing Pathogen by 2 seconds.


Type: Mana restoration
Scaling: -
Affects: Self
Biotic Armor Icon
Biotic Armor

Healing Pathogen grants 10 Physical Armor to its targets while active on them. Detonating Bio-Kill Switch increases this bonus to 50 for 2.5 seconds.


Type: Defensive damage modifier
Affects: Allied Heroes, Self
Properties: Physical Armor

  • Does not stack with other positive Physical Armor effects. Other defensive damage modifiers may stack.
Vigorous Reuptake Icon
Vigorous Reuptake

Bio-Kill Switch heals for 30% more when detonating 3 or more Healing Pathogens.


Type: Healing dealt modifier
Affects: Ability

  • Bonus healing stacks additively with other healing dealt modifiers that can affect Bio-Kill Switch's healing.
7
The Long Pitch Icon
The Long Pitch

Increase the range of Weighted Pustule by 50%. Detonating 2 or more Weighted Pustules causes Stukov's Bio-Kill Switch and Basic Ability cooldowns to recharge 100% faster for 4 seconds.


Bonus radius: 5.75

  • While active, reduces Stukov's Basic Ability cooldowns by 0.0625 seconds every 0.0625 seconds.
Growing Infestation Icon
Growing Infestation

Lurking Arm's area expands by 50% over 2.5 seconds, but it cannot be channeled for longer than 3 seconds.


Bonus radius: 1.25

  • If Low Blow has been picked, the area will continue growing even after Stukov stops channeling if Lurking Arm still hasn't reached its maximum radius.
Targeted Excision Icon
Targeted Excision

Detonating exactly 1 Weighted Pustule (but any number of Healing Pathogens) with Bio-Kill Switch reduces the cooldown of Bio-Kill Switch to 7 seconds and other Basic Abilities by 1.5 seconds.

10
Flailing Swipe Icon
Flailing Swipe

Cooldown: 60 seconds
Swipe 3 times in front of Stukov over 1.75 seconds, dealing 48 damage to enemies hit and knocking them away. Each swipe is larger than the previous.

Massive Shove Icon
Massive Shove

Cooldown: 20 seconds
Extend Stukov's arm. If it hits an enemy Hero, they are rapidly shoved until they collide with terrain, dealing 190 damage and Stunning them for 0.5 seconds. Stukov gains 50 Armor while shoving an enemy.

13
It Hungers Icon
It Hungers

Increase the range of Lurking Arm by 30%. If Lurking Arm damages enemy Heroes 8 times, its cooldown is reset and its Mana cost is refunded.


Bonus range: 2.2

  • Counter is reset every time Lurking Arm is cast.
Virulent Reaction Icon
Virulent Reaction

Detonating a Weighted Pustule on an enemy who is inside of Lurking Arm Roots them for 1.5 seconds.


Type: Crowd control
Affects: Non-Structure enemies
Properties: Root
Poppin' Pustules Icon
Poppin' Pustules

Detonating a Weighted Pustule with Bio-Kill Switch within 1.5 seconds of its expiration increases its damage by 150% and applies its damage and Slow in an area. Enemy Heroes hit have a Weighted Pustule applied to them.


Type: Offensive damage modifier / Spell Damage, Crowd control
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Ability / Enemies
Properties: Area of Effect, Slow
Area of Effect: Circle
Radius: 3.75

  • Also causes the Pustule to last an additional 0.0625s after detonation with Bio-Kill Switch.
  • Late detonation damage increase only affects the expiration damage of active Weighted Pustules.
  • Only the activation damage from Bio-Kill Switch is dealt in an area.
  • Enemies can be damaged by multiple area explosions, but only one instance of Weighted Pustule will be applied to them.
  • A new Weighted Pustule will not be applied to the Hero that was initially carrying the Weighted Pustule before the area detonation. However, they can have one applied to them from the area detonation of other Heroes.
  • Weighted Pustules from Poppin' Pustules interact with other all other Talents affecting Weighted Pustule. However, applying them in this way does not deal the impact damage of Weighted Pustule and cannot grant progress toward the Fetid Touch quest.
  • Damage bonus stacks additively with other offensive damage modifiers that can affect Bio-Kill Switch's pustule detonation damage.
16
Superstrain Icon
Superstrain

Whenever an ally with Healing Pathogen is Stunned or Rooted, they are instantly healed for 300 Health.


Type: Healing
Scaling: 4.00%
Affects: Allied Heroes
Universal Carrier Icon
Universal Carrier

Healing Pathogen can continually spread through Stukov, but its healing is reduced by 25%.


Type: Healing dealt modifier
Affects: Ability

  • Only affects Pathogen's heal over time component.
  • Healing penalty stacks additively with other healing dealt modifiers affecting Healing Pathogen's healing.
Pox Populi Icon
Pox Populi

Bio-Kill Switch no longer removes Healing Pathogen but instead sets its duration to 3 seconds.

20
Controlled Chaos Icon
Controlled Chaos

Flailing Swipe gains 2 additional charges, but each use only swings 1 time, at maximum range. Additionally, its cooldown is decreased to 25 seconds, and its Mana cost is reduced from 60 to 25.


Charge cooldown: 2.0 seconds

  • When picked, Controlled Chaos instantly grants two ready charges, even if the ability was on cooldown at that moment.
  • Controlled Chaos's swipe has the same properties as the third swipe, except its initial delay is reduced to 0.125 seconds and total channel time to 0.75 seconds.
Push Comes To Shove Icon
Push Comes To Shove

Massive Shove Slows its target by 50% for 4 seconds upon colliding with terrain. If Massive Shove pushes a target for more than 1.25 seconds, its cooldown is reduced by 15 seconds.


Type: Crowd Control
Affects: Enemies
Properties: Slow
Top Off Icon
Top Off

Healing Pathogen's heal over time is increased by 30% while its target is above 60% Health.


Type: Healing dealt modifier
Affects: Ability

  • Stacks additively with other Healing dealt modifiers that can affect Healing Pathogen's healing.
Bio-Explosion Switch Icon
Bio-Explosion Switch

Bio-Kill Switch now also detonates Lurking Arm, dealing 230 damage, applying a Weighted Pustule and Silencing enemy Heroes inside for 2.5 seconds.


Type: Spell Damage, Crowd control
Affects: Enemy Heroes
Properties: Area of Effect, Silence

  • Detonation instantly removes Lurking Arm, even if affected by the Low Blow Talent.
  • Weighted Pustules from Bio-Explosion Switch interact with other all other Talents affecting Weighted Pustule. However, applying them in this way does not deal the impact damage of Weighted Pustule and cannot grant progress toward the Fetid Touch quest.

Builds and guides[ | ]

Icy Veins Stukov Guide

Stukov Community Build Guides @ HeroesFire

Stukov Community Build Guides @ Heroes Hearth

Skins[ | ]

Stukov Skins
 
Rare Infested Admiral
Backstory: Alexei Stukov had a hard life, and an even harder death. He has been betrayed, shot into space, resurrected and infested, almost cured, and then experimented upon as the infestation returned. Now, his infestation spreads within the Nexus...
Stukov Infested Admiral
Gem750 / Money10,000
Infested Admiral
Stukov UED
Free
UED
Stukov Dictator
Free
Dictator
Stukov Kaldir
Gem120 / Shard75
Kaldir
Stukov Zerus
Gem120 / Shard75
Zerus
Epic Admiral Krakenov
Backstory: Decades ago, a mutiny forced the Admiral of the Three Anchors to walk the plank. On moonless nights, his form haunts Blackheart's Bay, calling itself "Krakenov" and demanding a lot of fish.
Features: Altered voice-over, themed abilities.
Notes: This skin theme is part of a shared theme of Mistharbour skins.
Stukov Admiral Krakenov
Gem350 / Shard400
Stukov Admiral Krakenov Reef
Gem350 / Shard400
Reef
Stukov Admiral Krakenov Ghost
Gem350 / Shard400
Ghost
Stukov Admiral Krakenov Vice
Gem350 / Shard400
Vice
Stukov Admiral Krakenov Tideswept
Gem350 / Shard400
Tideswept
Legendary Imperator
Backstory: Thanks to the sound military tactics and fierce loyalty of Viper's soldiers, the Imperator has crushed his enemies and established a new world order. It is only a matter of time before his robotic fist snuffs out the dying embers of rebellion.
Features: Altered voice-over, themed abilities, themed animations.
Notes: This skin theme is part of a shared theme of Viper organization skins.
Stukov Imperator
Gem600 / Shard1,200
Stukov Imperator Noxious
Gem600 / Shard1,200
Noxious
Stukov Imperator Arctic
Gem600 / Shard1,200
Arctic
Stukov Imperator Badlands
Gem600 / Shard1,200
Badlands
Stukov Imperator Cryo
Gem600 / Shard1,200
Cryo

Portraits[ | ]

Stukov Portraits
 
Admiral Krakenov Portrait
Admiral Krakenov
Gem75 / Shard40
Bionic Warlord Stukov Portrait
Caldeum Complex Bionic Warlord Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Carbot Stukov Portrait
Carbot Stukov
Gem120 / Shard75
Gingerbread Stukov Portrait
Winter Veil Gingerbread Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Imperator Stukov Portrait
Imperator Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Remastered Stukov Portrait
Remastered Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Stukov Emblem Portrait
Stukov Emblem
Gem75 / Shard40

Stukov Hero Portrait
Stukov Hero
Stukov Icon Portrait
Stukov Icon
Gem75 / Shard40
Stukov Mastery Portrait
Stukov Mastery

Sprays[ | ]

Stukov Sprays
 
Carbot Stukov Spray
Carbot Stukov
Gem120 / Shard75
Admiral Krakenov Spray
Admiral Krakenov
Gem75 / Shard40
Cartoon Stukov Spray
Cartoon Stukov
Gem120 / Shard75
Gingerbread Stukov Spray
Winter Veil Gingerbread Stukov
Gem120 / Shard75
More Spring Than Man Spray
Toys More Spring Than Man
Gem120 / Shard75
R.I.P. Stukov Spray
Fall of King's Crest R.I.P. Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Stukov Icon Spray
Stukov Icon
Gem75 / Shard40
Tattoo Stukov Spray
Tattoo Stukov
Gem75 / Shard40
Zerg Russian Spray
Zerg Russian
Gem75 / Shard40

Emojis[ | ]

Stukov Pack 1 Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov Happy Stukov Pack 2 Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Angry
Emoji Name Shortcut Emoji Name Shortcut
Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov Happy Stukov Happy :stukovhappy:
:stukhappy:
Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Angry Stukov Angry :stukovangry:
:stukangry:
Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov ROFL Stukov ROFL :stukovlol:
:stukovrofl:
:stuklol:
:stukrofl:
Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Cool Stukov Cool :stukovcool:
:stukcool:
Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov Sad Stukov Sad :stukovsad:
:stuksad:
Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Oops Stukov Embarrassed :stukovoops:
:stukovembarrassed:
:stukoops:
:stukembarrassed:
Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov Silly Stukov Silly :stukovsilly:
:stuksilly:
Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Love Stukov in Love :stukovlove:
:stukovinlove:
:stuklove:
:stukinlove:
Emoji Stukov Pack 1 Stukov Meh Stukov Speechless :stukovmeh:
:stukovspeechless:
:stukmeh:
:stukspeechless:
Emoji Stukov Pack 2 Stukov Surprised Stukov Surprised :stukovwow:
:stukovsurprised:
:stukwow:
:stuksurprised:
Imperator Stukov Pack Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Lurking Arm
Emoji Name Shortcuts
Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Lurking Arm Imperator Stukov Lurking Arm :lurking:
Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Pustule Imperator Stukov Pustule :pustule:
Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Shove 1 Imperator Stukov Shove :shove1:
Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Shove 2 Imperator Stukov Shove :shove2:
Emoji Imperator Stukov Pack Imperator Stukov Shove 3 Imperator Stukov Shove :shove3:

Quotes[ | ]

Main article: Stukov/Quotes


Development[ | ]

Nate LaMusga's early vision was that Stukov would be very focused on his infestation fantasy, both healing and damaging through infectious pathogens, and having a choice of heroics that could revive a fallen ally as a powerful infested zerg unit for a short duration. Originally only his "E" skill used his arm.

The developers tested these "infested resurrect" heroics pretty extensively, but they just weren't creating enjoyable gameplay. It was extremely confusing to be revived as a strange new unit with unfamiliar controls and having only precious seconds to try and figure out how to play it effectively - it never really felt good to be the one resurrected. Around the same time, the Live Design team expressed a desire to see more Support heroes with displacement abilities, and they saw an opportunity with Stukov to try and make that happen.

The developers all got in a room and talked through the ideas that came out of that, and two favorites quickly rose to the top: Flailing Arm and Massive Shove (though at the time it was called "Big Arm Mega Shove"). With Massive Shove in particular, it only took them a single playtest to know they had a winner.

There was definitely an awareness that by making this change they would move some of the focus from an established aspect of his fantasy (infestation), to a much less-established aspect of his fantasy (crazy zerg arm). This is something they discussed at length within the team, and ultimately decided that they were comfortable with. The Art team was excited to explore the arm aspect of Stukov's character, and the Design team was thrilled with the fun gameplay they got out of the heroics. They still had the infestation theme covered in three of his abilities (Q/W/D) and to them it felt like a very cool kit with a good balance of flavor that represented the character well.[1]

According to Lana Bachynski, Stukov was hard to animate. From a technical standpoint, making sure that his various FX were correctly connecting to his base model. Massive shove, in particular was exceedingly challenging to get working 'just so' and it took an incredible effort from all disciplines to get it where you see today. "Artistically -- Stukov is a stoic military bro who is ashamed of the monster he's become. I went to school to animate monsters -- all I wanted to see was Stukov go full Rage Mode with that Zerg limb, but he's supposed to be restrained. Calm. (Compelling character -- but what an obnoxious justaposition!) Keeping a half-man half-alien looking upright and put together on the battlefield.. but also threatening and tough. Not exactly the simplest task. Emotionally -- Now, this is getting real deep into animation nerddom, but I really struggled with getting his acting choices just right! In the end, I'm pretty satisfied with the balance I found. It's probably best seen in his Quick Match hero select screen: When Stukov is out of combat, he stands with his arm tucked behind him - as he wants to present his best most human self to you. Upon hitting ready, Stukov looks at his arm, resigned, and says 'Victory or Death' - because winning battles is more important to him than his cosmetic flaws, and he will use every advantage he has in order to do so. When he's readied up, he has forgotten any insecurities and is ready to fight. And when Stukov unreadies, it's almost as if he's coming to his senses. As if, perhaps the animalistic, zerg mentality has affected more than just his arm, and he's back to his militant, disciplined self."[2]

Stukov was subject to a lot of this after his kit was revealed. Many fans did not expect Blizzard would place Stukov in the support role. Instead, the popular theory was that he would be a specialist and summons infested Terrans, similar to his role in Starcraft 2.[3]

Trivia[ | ]

  • Stukov made his debut in StarCraft: Brood War (November 1998)
  • Despite being a Healer, Stukov has the highest basic attack damage in the game, but also the lowest attack speed in the game, tied with Hanzo.
  • Stukov's Home Screen music is from the StarCraft: Brood War cinematic "UED Victory Report."
  • Stukov is voiced by Victor Brandt in StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void, and Heroes of the Storm.
  • Blizzard hinted at a new StarCraft hero related to a failed research project at the Moebius Foundation.[4] Stukov was confirmed the following day.[5]
  • UED Stukov is based off of the UED tint from StarCraft: Brood War, where normally they would be represented by white colored terrans.
  • Dictator Stukov is based on M. Bison from the Street Fighter series (August 1987), who is sometimes referred to as "Dictator" due to having different names in different versions of the game. Stukov's "it was Tuesday" joke also makes a reference to the dialogue spoken by M. Bison in the Street Fighter film (December 1994).
  • Ghost Krakenov is based upon the undead pirate LeChuck from the Monkey Island series of games, with his colours matching his appearance in Monkey Island II: LeChuck's Revenge.

Gallery[ | ]

General[ | ]

Abilities[ | ]

Videos[ | ]

References[ | ]

External links[ | ]


Heroes
 
Bruiser Bruisers ArtanisChenDeathwingDehakaD.VaGazloweHoggerImperiusLeoricMalthaelRagnarosRexxarSonyaThrallVarianXulYrel
Healer Healers AlexstraszaAnaAnduinAurielBrightwingDeckardKharazimLi LiLt. MoralesLúcioMalfurionRehgarStukovUtherTyrandeWhitemane
Melee Assassin Melee Assassins AlarakThe ButcherIllidanKerriganMaievMurkyQhiraSamuroValeeraZeratul
Ranged Assassin Ranged Assassins AzmodanCassiaChromieFalstadFenixGallGenjiGreymaneGul'danHanzoJainaJunkratKael'thasKel'ThuzadLi-MingLunaraMephistoNazeeboNovaOrpheaProbiusRaynorSgt. HammerSylvanasTassadarTracerTychusVallaZagaraZul'jin
Support Support AbathurThe Lost VikingsMedivhZarya
Tank Tanks Anub'arakArthasBlazeChoDiabloE.T.C.GarroshJohannaMal'GanisMeiMuradinStitchesTyrael
Unknown Mekkatorque
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